Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Sophia Briles

8/21/2020

Sophia Briles – Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Melissa Briles
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Sophia Briles is a very humble, supportive, and hard-working person who inspires me daily. She has always been a very grounded human, she is not one to boast on herself, but will be the first person to show love and congratulatory excitement to her friends and family. Sophia's work ethic is like no other, specifically for her love for dance. She thrives on working privately and in class on new choreography with her amazing dance teachers and mentors at Level Dance Project in Annapolis, MD. Sophia lives by the saying "Practice like you have never won and perform like you have never lost".

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

How old were you when you started dancing? Who or what inspired you to start?
I was 3 years old when I started dancing and my mom inspired me to start because she was also a dancer.

What is your favorite memory that you have made through dance?
My favorite memory that I have made through dance is going to The Dance Awards in Las Vegas last summer.

What keeps you grounded and so determined to keep practicing?
I stay determined by thinking about all the great things that can happen from working hard.

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

Tell me more about the activities that you do outside of dance?
When I am not dancing, I enjoy painting and making bracelets, I just started both activities recently and I hope to continue them in the future!

I know that you play piano, how long have you been doing this?
I have been playing piano for 4 years and I have performed in recitals twice a year with my teacher and fellow students.

What are some goals that you have for your future? Do you know what you want to be when you are older? Would you like to continue dancing?
One goal that I have is to win “Best Dancer” at The Dance Awards. I would definitely like to continue dancing and be a professional dancer when I grow up!

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest things I've ever accomplished is keeping straight A’s throughout my entire 6th grade year. I achieved this by preparing for tests, making corrections to my assignments when allowed, and keeping track of when assignments are due.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? • I would advise that commitment and hard work is the key to success.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years, I hope to still be dancing, getting straight A’s, and being in the National Junior Honor Society.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I enjoy going on bike rides and tubing on our family boat.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I have recently discovered that I am good at drawing and painting.

Photography by Gray Arrows Photography

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
If I could present a topic to my peers, I would present dance! While presenting I would explain that dance is a great way to relieve stress and express yourself through movement. I would also emphasize how ballet is the key ingredient to all forms of dance!

3 things on your bucket list:
• Dance professionally as an adult
• I hope to go to a college that focuses on the arts and I can major in dance.
• Learn and perform choreography by the dancers/choreographers I idolize such as Lucy Vallely,
Easton Blake, and Lauren Yakima.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find Lucy Vallely, Easton Blake, and Lauren Yakima inspiring because their style of dance is unique and original.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I find that other people are inspired by my hard work ethic, my ability to pick up choreography quickly, and apply corrections when they are given.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am very excited to be given the opportunity to be featured in the Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Sophia will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more info on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

0 Comments

Nadia Wilde

8/20/2020

0 Comments

Nadia Wilde - Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Lauren Wilde
Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Nadia is a very hard working and dedicated dancer. Her love and passion for dance has helped her achieve many of her goals. She loves finding inspiration from her teammates, teachers, and professional dancers. She also continues to excel in her academics and places high priority on academic achievements. Even while balancing dance and school, she still finds time to be a great big sister!

Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

How old were you when you started dancing? What or who inspired you to start?
I was 2 1/2. I started at a studio call Triple Threat, I learned ballet and tap. I also did weekend workshops learning Singing and Acting. Ms. Paula was the owner/instructor. She inspired me to be comfortable on stage and preform with expression and passion. I started dancing at Level Dance Project when I was 6. My teachers and Peers continue to inspire me every day. I have grown so much. I am very thankful for all my opportunities.

Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

What is your favorite memory from dancing on your dance team? Why is it your favorite?
A few years ago at nationals our large group Jazz dance came in 5th place, which qualified us for the battle. We were very proud for getting 5th place, but we got the chance to compete again. At the awards ceremony for the battle, they play the music of the winning dance. Once we heard the first beat of the music, we knew it was ours. We came in first! I loved that dance! It was my favorite memory because we got the opportunity to preform our dance again and make it the best we could! #steamheat

What is the lesson that Dance has taught you, that you want to share with other? Why is that message so important to you?
Dance has taught me that I am not perfect, and I don’t have to be perfect. I work hard every day and in order to get better, I have to be teachable. Getting corrections is very important to me. Corrections help me get better, stronger, and it keeps me grounded.

Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Tell me more about your other hobbies. When did you start them and what do you like so much about them?
I love to Sew and Knit. My grandmother taught me when I was 7 or 8. I love making things for people, lately i’ve been making masks. Maybe one day I will be able to make dancewear or costumes.

Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

What are some goals that you have for your future? Do you want to continue dancing the older you get?
I would love to continue dancing. Broadway is a big dream for me! I would love to feel the energy of that stage. I’ve seen quite a few shows and I have so much respect for their talent. I would love to continue dancing!

Nadia will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

0 Comments

Sophia Briles

Sophia Briles – Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Melissa Briles
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nadia Wilde

Nadia Wilde - Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Lauren Wilde
Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Sophia Briles

Sophia Briles – MarylandInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Melissa BrilesPhotography by Gray Arrows PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Nadia Wilde

Nadia Wilde - MarylandInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Lauren WildePhotography by Jeri Tidwell Dance PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​ ​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Sophia Briles – Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Melissa Briles
Photography by Gray Arrows Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nadia Wilde - Maryland
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Lauren Wilde
Photography by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine